Picasso’s inspirations

9 November 2023

Greek mythology and animals inspired master artist Pablo Picasso throughout his artistic life. From mythical creatures to bulls, owls and pigeons: they captured Picasso’s imagination. Now on display in the exhibition at Royal Delft Museum: Picasso. Magic Ceramist.

Greek Mythology and bulls

Picasso was inspired by Greek mythology. Much of his ceramic work features creatures such as fauns and satyrs. These creatures symbolize fertility and the animal kingdom. Likewise the Minotaur: half bull and half man. According to Picasso, this being united his different artistic routes. Bulls also captured his imagination. From an early age, Picasso drew bulls and these connected him with his native Spain. The bulls can be seen, among other things, on the set of red and black painted signs. By using bulls, Picasso referred back to his native Spain, where bulls are an important symbol. When Picasso was young, he made many drawings with bulls.

Pablo Picasso, Faun’s gezicht, 1956 © Succession Picasso, c/o Pictoright Amsterdam 2023, Bruikleen: John & Marine van Vlissingen Fine Arts, Fotografie: Erik en Petra Hesmerg.

Pablo Picasso, Zwart faun masker, 1948 © Succession Picasso, c/o Pictoright Amsterdam 2023, Bruikleen: John & Marine van Vlissingen Fine Arts, Fotografie: Erik en Petra Hesmerg.

Pablo Picasso, Stier met gebladerde rand, 1957 © Succession Picasso, c/o Pictoright Amsterdam 2023, Bruikleen: John & Marine van Vlissingen Fine Arts, Fotografie: Erik en Petra Hesmerg.

Owls, pigeons and other animals

Many other animals can also be seen in Picasso’s ceramic work. An important animal is the owl. During his ceramic period, Picasso came into contact with an injured owl. Picasso cared for the animal and bought a cage so that the owl could continue to live with him. After some time, a strong connection emerged between the artist and the owl. This grew so deep that Picasso began to incorporate more and more owls into his work, including in the form of vases. In addition to owls, Picasso also depicted many pigeons in his ceramic work. Picasso’s father, who also painted, was best known for his pigeon paintings. Picasso would therefore incorporate pigeons into his own art objects. Picasso also kept pigeons himself. Finally, the artist incorporated goats into his ceramics. A goat has several symbolic meanings, but just like fauns and satyrs, the goat represents fertility. The owl vases, pigeon plates and many more objects can now be viewed at the Royal Delft Museum.

Pablo Picasso, Houtuil, 1969 © Succession Picasso, c/o Pictoright Amsterdam 2023, Bruikleen: John & Marine van Vlissingen Fine Arts, Fotografie: Erik en Petra Hesmerg.

Pablo Picasso, Duif mat, 1948 © Succession Picasso, c/o Pictoright Amsterdam 2023, Bruikleen: John & Marine van Vlissingen Fine Arts, Fotografie: Erik en Petra Hesmerg.

Pablo Picasso, Vaas met geiten, 1952 © Succession Picasso, c/o Pictoright Amsterdam 2023, Bruikleen: John & Marine van Vlissingen Fine Arts, Fotografie: Erik en Petra Hesmerg.

Visit the Delft Blue factory museum and admire the ceramic work of Picasso himself. Complete your visit with a workshop or a delicious lunch or High Tea at Brasserie1653. The Picasso exhibition. Magic Keramist can now be seen at Royal Delft until May 19, 2024.

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